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View Full Version : Questions about simple modifications to improve one handed malfunctions drills


351322
08-12-13, 11:06
I just recently found a nice IWB holster that allows me to comfortable carry my full size MP9. Since then I have attended a couple of handgun classes, but last Saturday was the first time I have used my concealed carry setup for one handed malfunctions drills. I quickly found out that my ability to rack the slide off of my belt or holster, while being covered by my shirt is almost impossible and can even cause a larger malfunction when just attempting a simple tap rack.

When I was using an OWB holster I could easy hook the rear sight on to it and rack the slide. Would changing to a different style rear sight with a more pronounced ledge help? I currently have a Warren Tactical rear sight (http://www.warrentactical.com/webpages/wts_ds_rearsight.htm), and am looking at either the Burwell (http://burwellguns.com/sights.htm)or Heinie ledge (http://www.heinie.com/product_info.php?cPath=9_25&products_id=168) sights.

Looking through the MP picture thread I saw several users have grip tape on the top of the slide, I assume for racking the slide on clothes and what not. How well does this work? I think I have some grip tape at home and will try this out myself, but it is always nice to others experiences with it.

I am considering adding an Inforce APL (http://www.inforce-mil.com/pistol-lights.php) to my daily carry and for low light classes. This would require a new holster, and at the same time I could talk to the holster maker, Garrett Industries Silent Thunder IWB (http://garrettindustries.mybigcommerce.com/silent-thunder-iwb/), about leaving a bit more material on the holster so that it is protruding further above the beltline. But I’m not sure if this would make any kind of difference since the holster is still being covered by my shirt that was a huge issue. Thinking about it, I may be able to hook the shirt on the top of my hand so it is out of the way and try racking it that way. I’ll try that when I get home this evening.

Then there is sending the slide out to have additional serrations machined into it. I would only go this route if none of the other options work.

So out of what I have listed, have any of the options worked well for you, or are there other options that you use? Is there other techniques I can look at to rack the slide instead of the belt / holster?
okie john
08-12-13, 12:13
Trijicon HD sights should do what you want.


Okie John
T2C
08-12-13, 12:27
If you wear jeans or other pants made of heavy material, try pointing the pistol slightly to the rear of straight down and dragging the top of the rear sight and slide over the seam on the outside of your pants.

If the place where you train allows it, try dropping down on your strong side knee and use the heel of your boot/shoe to catch the rear sight and cycle the slide.
ggammell
08-12-13, 13:09
You can also try digging the rear sight into the meat of your thigh. Grip tape will help out here.
Tzook
08-12-13, 13:23
Grip tape does help, I have an EMS ICE Claw rear sight on my G34 that seems to work well for one handed slide racking
DocH
08-12-13, 13:45
Definitely a short strip of grip tape between the rear sight and the ejection port.I have 10-8 sights on my 17's which can be used,but if you need to do it fast,hard pressure against your outer thigh and the grip tape will rack the slide fast and positively.
Just don't practice this with your Sunday school britches on,or you'll need to make a trip to J.C. Penny.:eek:
SpeedRacer
08-12-13, 14:28
A better rear sight and possibly a stiffer belt should do the job. Personally I've never found anything else (grip tape, etc) necessary. I wouldn't worry about finding a specific holster, because you shouldn't get locked in on that one technique which requires a more refined motion and only works on one side. With a good belt and high ledge rear sight you should be able to easily rack the slide with either hand, anywhere along the beltline using big stupid motions. Like others have said if for any reason that's not an option, you can really dig that rear sight into just about anything and manipulate the slide, including pants, heels, and yep even good ol' thigh meat.
Chameleox
08-12-13, 15:47
I have been using Warren Tactical sights, and they have worked fine. I'll use my holster, my belt (especially if you have a big buckle), or the seams of my pockets. No issues with Warrens or 10-8s.

Only thing I'd add is this (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/cartridge-dummies/saf-t-trainers-prod9923.aspx).
Averageman
08-12-13, 18:11
If you wear jeans or other pants made of heavy material, try pointing the pistol slightly to the rear of straight down and dragging the top of the rear sight and slide over the seam on the outside of your pants.

If the place where you train allows it, try dropping down on your strong side knee and use the heel of your boot/shoe to catch the rear sight and cycle the slide.

I'm running a Glock and the above works for me, not exactly your situation, but it should work.
By dropping down on the knee as suggested you can pinch empty handgun between your calf and the back of your thigh, remove the empty mag, insert the full mag and if necassary charge the slide with your boot heel.
351322
08-12-13, 19:25
Thanks for the input guys. It didn't even occur to me to rack on something else, probably since much of my training has been with an OWB holster.

Watching what is happening while racking on the jeans and shoes I do feel the rear sight is the weak point and need to find something else with out such a large radius on the front side of the rear sight.
SpeedRacer
08-12-13, 19:43
Thanks for the input guys. It didn't even occur to me to rack on something else, probably since much of my training has been with an OWB holster.

Watching what is happening while racking on the jeans and shoes I do feel the rear sight is the weak point and need to find something else with out such a large radius on the front side of the rear sight.

What kind of belt do you use? Aiding in one handed operations is just one of the many benefits of a good stiff gun belt. Even using pistols with rear sights less suited to the task I've always been able to easily rack off my belt (a Wilderness instructor belt). Technique helps too, I've found angling the muzzle slightly away from the body gives you a better angle and more grab from the rear sight and keeps the business end pointed in a safer direction.
351322
08-12-13, 19:55
I am currently using a volund gearworks atlas belt (http://www.volundgearworks.com/belts/).
SpeedRacer
08-12-13, 20:05
I am currently using a volund gearworks atlas belt (http://www.volundgearworks.com/belts/).

Yep that should get the job done. Seems like your rear sight may be the weak link.
351322
08-12-13, 20:16
What kind of belt do you use? Aiding in one handed operations is just one of the many benefits of a good stiff gun belt. Even using pistols with rear sights less suited to the task I've always been able to easily rack off my belt (a Wilderness instructor belt). Technique helps too, I've found angling the muzzle slightly away from the body gives you a better angle and more grab from the rear sight and keeps the business end pointed in a safer direction.

I just geared back up to try it again with your suggestion. Since I seem to have misplaced my snap caps, I just tried it with attempting to lock the slide open on my leg. It seems to be working, but I will have to practice with it and run it in future classes to make sure I am confident with it. Definitely will not be able to do it on the belt since the t shirt is covering it and just lets it sight slip off half the time.

Appreciate the help.
T2C
08-13-13, 17:02
Don't forget to practice with both the left and right hands. You never know which side will be injured or busy.